DURING this period of uncertainty, what comes to mind is protection — protection of lives and property. Protection is synonymous with insurance. Suddenly, we became more concerned whether we have provided for this fortuitous event — the pandemic. This is one time when we look for the person who can best serve our needs — the insurance agent. Talking to one is very reassuring since he or she is well trained in describing the products or coverage that one needs. They can come up with plans that suit the client's requirements for protection and investments. These agents are trained very well by the companies they represent and have to be licensed by the Insurance Commission (IC) before they can sell insurance. They are trained how to address the physical, health and other concerns of their clients. Nowadays, they also have to be well versed in the various types of investments that are usually sold with the life insurance plans.

The nonlife insurance agents or agents who specialize in property and casualty lines are similarly trained and licensed by the IC. There are many lines of business for which they have to be trained: fire, marine, motor, surety, personal accident and many more.